8issellemartinez - Tumblr blog

[8issellemartinez]

How thrift shopping changed my life

Photo by Sean Benesh on Unsplash This photo is of a Goodwill in Portland, Oregon. Thrift stores, such as Goodwill, have become an affordable trend because you spend less money and help the environment.

I’m Gisselle “G” Martinez, and I moved to the United States when I was 5 years old. The transition was difficult, and leaving everything in Mexico meant my family had to start from scratch. We had no clothes, no money and no home.

My mom did the best she could to shop for my four siblings and me. Some of our things were gifted by teachers who knew about our financial situation. Other things we owned were bought at garage sales, flea markets and thrift stores.

Being the youngest of five, hand-me-downs were the highlight of my birthdays. Every year, my sisters would give me their unwanted clothes, and sometimes they would let me pick out an item. For me, it was like going to the mall.

Growing up, almost everything we had was secondhand, including our furniture, appliances and home decor. Our things were used, but they were new to us.

Thrifting has always been a part of me. My mom taught me how to shop smart, and now that I’m older I’ve realized the environmental benefits of reusing clothes. Fast fashion produces a lot of waste that pollutes our environment, and since fashion trends rapidly change, fashion retailers and the pollution from their factories keep growing.

Photo of Gisselle Martinez by Elizabeth Martinez

While I was growing up, we didn’t have the money to follow the latest trends, but I have always had a passion for fashion. I love clothes and styling, but I don’t want to buy from an industry that has a disastrous impact on the environment. Thrifting allows me to find unique pieces that are cheap and eco-friendly, like this red vintage windbreaker set I bought for $8!

Additionally, as a college student, budgeting for housing, food, textbooks and social life can be difficult. Thrifting gives me the opportunity to have a fashionable wardrobe without spending a ton of money.

This blog is dedicated to thrift fashion, its benefits, and tips to become a great thrift shopper. Thrifting changed my life. Follow me on my journey, and it might change yours!

[8issellemartinez]

These are 5 reasons you should shop at thrift stores

Photo by Prudence Earl on Unsplash

This is a thrift store in West End, Australia. The clothes is neatly hung and color coded, which is common in most thrift stores. Read below to find out why you should shop secondhand!

Photo by Afif Kusuma on Unsplash

1. Thrifting helps the environment

Fast fashion companies, such as H&M, are rapidly growing to meet the demand for cheap clothes. Fashion styles and trends are changing quickly, and people want to keep up. However, the production of fast fashion results in a greater carbon footprint, crowded landfills and polluted waters.

In fact, the fashion industry makes up 10% of the world’s carbon emissions. In 2016, a survey found that the average American throws away 81 pounds of clothes a year. Thrifting clothes helps the environment by reducing the amount of energy and resources used in the production of new clothes.

2. Thrifting helps your community 

Thrift stores, such as Goodwill, provide job training and support services to communities. Additionally, thrifting at local shops puts your money back into your community. Rather than purchasing items from across the country or across the globe, you can contribute to local shops to improve your community and help those around you. 

Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash

3. Thrifting helps your wallet

Thrifting your clothes helps you save a ton of money! You can pick up a secondhand gem at a local thrift store for a tremendously low price compared to retail stores. Your wallet will thank you, and you’ll have more money to save or spend elsewhere!

4. Thrifting helps garment workers

Not only is fast fashion cheap for the consumer, it also results in cheap labor for the people producing the clothes. To save on clothing production, many fast fashion companies outsource their labor to other countries where the wages are less and the conditions are worse. 

Thrift shopping is more ethical and can help reduce the demand for fast fashion. This can also serve as a wake up call for the fashion industry. Factory workers should not be exposed to such poor conditions to meet fashion demand at a reduced cost.

Photo of Gisselle Martinez by Elizabeth Martinez

5. Thrifting helps your wardrobe

Thrifting can enhance your wardrobe and challenge you to be more creative. At a thrift store you can find a unique piece of clothing and try styles from different eras. I was able to find this t-shirt of Hard Rock Cafe Madrid for only $1.50 and this 90s jacket for $5!

There are so many options when shopping secondhand. Finding an outfit at a thrift store means you’re less likely to run into someone wearing the same one, and you can get it for a fraction of the cost!

Sources: https://www.blhsnews.com/opinion/2020/01/21/three-reasons-why-thrifting-is-the-best-way-to-shop/ 

https://sites.uab.edu/humanrights/2018/04/26/fast-fashion-unethical-and-unsustainable/

https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-fashion-environmental-impact-pollution-emissions-waste-water-2019-10

https://www.vagabondary.co/blog/2017/11/7/5-reasons-thrifting-is-awesome

[8issellemartinez]

These are thrifting tips for beginners

Photo by Becca McHaffie on Unsplash

Check your closet Before you head to a thrift store, check your own closet, as shown in the photo above, so you know what you need or want. This can be helpful if you want to purchase items that will combine well with what you already own. By checking your own closet, you can also see if there are any items you would like to donate or sell!

Dress for the occasion Thrifting takes time and patience. Wearing something comfortable is extremely important, especially if you plan on thrifting all day. You are bound to try something on, so consider wearing clothes that is easy to change out of or thin in case there are no fitting rooms available.

Set a budget and bring cash Setting a budget is very helpful if you’re running low on money or simply want to save. Challenge yourself to only purchase what you truly want by asking yourself if it’s something you will wear and if it’s worth the price. By shopping with cash only, you can contain yourself from spending too much and focus on finding the best deals!

Bring reusable bags You want to bring your own bag to avoid using plastic bags at the checkout counter. Some thrift stores may even be out of carts and baskets, so bringing your own bag will allow you to shop comfortably. 

Scan the aisles Scanning the aisles at a fast and accurate pace gives you time to make your way around the store. Scan quickly through the aisles, and pay attention to fabrics or patterns that stand out. Don’t forget to carefully inspect your items!

Take risks The most important part of thrift shopping is having fun! There are so many styles and trends you can try out. Don’t be afraid to try something new. 

Think carefully Before making a final decision, take a second look at everything. Only purchase what you truly love, and if you’re doubtful, put it back. If something is stained or ripped, ask for a discount and identify feasible alterations so you don’t make a useless purchase.

Wash before wearing Wash your clothes before wearing it. Some stores wash their items, but it’s best to clean them yourself!

Sources: https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/thrifting-for-clothes-tips/ 

https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/thrift-shopping-tips

[8issellemartinez]

How to shop smart at Goodwill

Photo by Nosiuol on Unsplash

The Goodwill retail store is a great starting point for thrifting beginners. Goodwill has a large assortment of clothes, shoes, furniture and home decor, and there are many Goodwill locations to visit. 

Despite being a renowned nonprofit chain, many people are not aware of Goodwill’s rotating discounts and outlet store discounts. Goodwill is my favorite thrift store, so I will be discussing some advice that will make your next Goodwill visit unforgettable!

Goodwill organizes its items through color-coded tags. Each week, a color of the week is chosen, and all items with the tag color have a 50% discount. If you find an item you love but its price makes you hesitant, you can return another time when the color’s on discount. 

Picture of Gisselle Martinez by Elizabeth Martinez The pieces in the above picture were purchased with Goodwill’s 50% discount. I saved a total of $20!

Another great way to shop smart at Goodwill is to visit on Mondays or Tuesdays. People tend to clean their closets out over the weekend, and those who had yard sales donate unsold items. If you visit early in the week, you can find a bigger selection!

Since there are multiple Goodwill locations, visit as many as you can, and visit often. You may have more luck visiting wealthier neighborhoods!

Additionally, most people are familiar with Goodwill retail stores but not Goodwill outlet stores. Items that aren’t sold in a Goodwill retail store are sent to the outlet. The outlet is the last stop before items are recycled. 

This is a great place to shop because merchandise is sold by the pound. Items are placed in large bins, and you can sort through them to find unbelievable bargains. Not everything is clean, so you should wear a pair of gloves to protect your hands.

Goodwill stores are awesome because you have many style options and discount opportunities, both in retail stores and the outlets. Hopefully these tips will help you have a successful thrifting experience at your local Goodwill!

Sources: https://www.gwoutletstorelocator.com/goodwill-outlets-united-states/florida/ 

https://www.blesserhouse.com/12-goodwill-shopping-secrets-revealed/

https://www.goodwillncw.org/shopping/color/

[8issellemartinez]

Here’s why you should try online thrifting

Photo by Gisselle Martinez Depop is a growing social shopping app. You can access it on the mobile app or navigate through a website.

The fashion resale market has seen a huge increase as thrift shopping has become a trend, and more people want to thrift. Likewise, online shopping has become more popular. Put the two together, and you have online thrift shopping!

Online thrift shopping is increasing through applications and websites that allow people to sell, trade and buy items across the globe. Apps like Depop, Poshmark and ThredUp are sustainable options to shop from the comfort of your home! You can simply use your phone or laptop, as shown above, to navigate an app or website. 

Online thrifting allows you to scroll through thousands of items, filter your search and make offers. This is a great option in the current pandemic we are facing because your items are delivered straight to your house. Performing a search from home means you can get comfortable and invest time in finding the perfect items without fear of the coronavirus.

It’s a good idea to know your measurements and be familiar with different brand sizes and fabrics. This can allow you to make a good judgment about your size. If you’re uncertain if something will fit, pay close attention to the return policy because some sellers do not accept returns.

With so many options on the internet, it can become tricky to know what’s thrifted and what’s not. Make sure what you’re buying is secondhand. If you’re doubtful, contact the seller or visit another site for more options.

If you’re still unsure about online thrifting, just give it a try! Online thrifting can be unconvincing to some, but keep an open mind. Curiosity and patience in your search may result in finding a beautiful garment!

Sources: https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/shopping-used-clothing-online

[8issellemartinez]

The outbreak of COVID-19 is impacting restaurants nationwide, among them Panera Bread. These pictures were taken at a local Panera cafe at 17325 U.S. Highway 441, Mt. Dora, Fla. 32757, at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2. Mornings at the Mt. Dora Panera are usually brimming with locals enjoying their breakfast; however, the pandemic has led to a mostly empty restaurant with strict social distancing guidelines and a limited menu. Social distancing floor markers, frequent surface disinfection, hand sanitizer stands, curbside ordering and a limited occupancy have been implemented in all Panera cafes to follow governmental regulations and health expert advice. Additionally, all associates must perform a wellness check at the start of each shift. They must take their own temperature, record any symptoms and put on a disposable or reusable mask. Andrea Dehan, orange shirt, followed these procedures before she locked into position as a sandwich and salad builder.  

“We’re still getting used to these changes, but it’s what has to be done,” said assistant manager Janelle Mundt, purple shirt, who has worked at the Mt. Dora Panera since it opened in 2017. 

COVID-19 has changed the way things flow at Panera Bread and instilled fear in the community. Nonetheless, acting without panic but with precaution can help slow the spread of the virus and save lives.